BETTER ME: Having a workout buddy, shaking up routine, eating right all enhance health

When your inner demons are ordering you to the couch instead of the treadmill, a workout partner can steer you back in the right direction. It’s easier to bail out on the gym than on the friend who’s waiting for you there. Studies show you’ll also work out longer when you have a friend along.

FITNESS TIP

If you’re bored with your same old workout routine, your muscles probably are, too. And if you want to see results, you’re going to need to change things up. Your body adapts to the same old routine, therefore, new routines help shake things up both physically and mentally. Also, as you get stronger, you have to kick up the challenge a notch if you want to continue to see results.

CANCER FIGHTING TIP

To fight the chance of getting cancer, eat healthy, cancer-fighting foods such as spinach, carrots, mushrooms and tomatoes. Selenium-rich foods such as sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts, are also good cancer-fighting foods to make part of your diet.

HEALTHY HEART TIP

A recent study found that by watching your weight, not smoking, walking every day, and eating your fruits, veggies, and grains, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by 78 percent! In fact, following just one of those rules will have a positive impact on your health. But why aim so low? Go for the gold and make all four part of your daily routine and be as healthy as you can be.

WEIGHT LOSS TIP

If you want to slim down, one of first things you should do is reduce your intake of starchy carbohydrates. Avoid white breads and white rice, potatoes, fried foods and processed foods. Aim for more healthy fats such as avocados and nuts in small quantities, and increase your intake of fruits and veggies. Squeeze fresh lemons into your water, too.

NUMBER 1 NUT

When it comes to antioxidants, walnuts outscored eight other types of nuts in a recent analysis. They also have more of the healthy fats that are especially good for your heart. To reap the benefits, you need to eat about seven walnuts a day.

SAFE KIDS TIP

Texas Law requires all children younger than 8 years to be in the appropriate car seat or booster seat. The child is exempt if they are at least 4’9”. Children should always be in the back seat.

100 CALORIE OR LESS SNACKS

Apple (80 calories)

Mozzarella cheese stick (80 calories)

Turkey noodle soup, 1 cup (68 calories)

Walnut halves, 7 (90 calories)

½ baked potato with salsa (84 calories)

1 cup tomato soup (74 calories)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A positive thinker does not refuse to recognize the negative, he refuses to dwell on it.